Supertrees, Gardens by the Bay

The landscapes of Singapore have been evolving so fast, with new buildings and landmarks appearing at breakneck speed. And so, when I came back from a year-long backpacking trip, I realized I have become essentially a tourist as well!

Now, just barely a month ago, Singapore unveiled yet another new icon and landmark - Gardens by the Bay. A 'superpark' comprising of 3 gardens covering over 100 hectares, it is giving Singapore a well-earned name of 'Garden City'. With 2 conservatories simulating different climates at other parts of the world, over a quarter million different plants can be found in the Gardens. It is indeed set to be one of the major attractions and icons of Singapore.

However, ironically, it is one of the man-made features in the Gardens that had become somewhat of a highight and icon for me (and many others). The Supertrees are huge tree-like structures that dominate large parts of the Gardens. These structures are modern wonders that supposedly provide various functions - from collection of rainwater to harnessing solar-power; from providing shade to providing lighting (shows). Indeed, when the skies darken, a music and lights show would provide the entertainment for the evening. And the beautifully lighted Supertrees does give a surreal ambience to the whole place! It also complemented the beautiful night scene around Marina Bay wonderfully. A worthy addition indeed!

So for those going to Gardens by the Bay, you may want to do so in the late afternoon and then finish off with a beautiful night view of the Gardens and Marina Bay!

And finally, a Happy 47th Birthday to Singapore!!!

Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage, one of the newer icons in Singapore, is a reservoir built across the Marina Channel. Opened during end 2008, Marine provides 3 primary functions : water supply, flood control and a lifestyle attraction.


Being a reservoir, it is projected to meet 10% or more of Singapore's water needs. It is also the first reservoir to be built right in the heart of the city. The dam at the mouth of the Marina Channel not only keeps out seawater, it provides flood control with a series of dam gates and water pumps that releases excess water out to the sea when needed.



And at the site itself, it has become one of Singapore's hot recreational spots. Not only does it support water-based activities like boating and canoeing, the top of the reservoir building structure provides an excellent open space for picnics and kite-flying. Every weekend, dozens of colourful kites in all manner of shapes and sizes don the skies at the Barrage. And when the sun sets, the view across to the Singapore skyline with our upcoming casinos and the Singapore Flyer is great for photography!



Details on how to get to the Marina Barrage, as well as its opening hours can be found here. Consider your next family or friends picnic outing at the Marina Barrage!

A piece of history

After 31 Mar 2006, a landmark in Singapore was closed for reurbanisation. I had rarely visited that place, although I had passed by its surrounding area plenty of times. Often times, we will only start to appreciate something when we know it's going to be gone soon...


Clifford Pier, along Collyer Quay, was a well known landmark. It was officially opened in 1933, and in those olden days, it was a busy landing and departing point - commuting people between ships at sea or the outshore islands and Singapore. Many locals refer to it as 红灯码头 , (loosely translated as Red Lantern Pier) and its origins, it seems, comes from the fact that in those times, a red lamp/lantern was hung at the pier to warn ships coming into the harbour. It became a beacon of sorts. Ask any of the older folks where ang teng (Hokkien) or lampu merah (Malay) is, and they'll point you here.

Strangely, there was a time where prostitution was rampart here, although whether it's because of its name or not, I've no clue (Red Light District refers to an area where there's prostitution).

Clifford Pier afforded splendid views of the Marina Bayfront. And as part of a redevelopment effort to make Marina a new modern upmarket area (like all parts of Singapore), it was thus slated to be torn down and rebuilt.



As I took a last look (and some last pictures) on the evening of 31 Mar 2006, the skies showed some spectacular display as a tribute to the pier's 73 years of service.